Yarn package support



June 30, 1964 P, BANLIER YARN PACKAGE SUPPORT Filed May 29, 1962 Inventor PA L /DDA NL 121 A tlorne y United States Patent Oftice 3,139,242 Patented June 30, 1964 3,139,242 YARN PACKAGE SUPPORT Paul Banlier, Albi, France, assigner to Chimiotex S.A., Geneva, Switzerland, a corporation of Switzerland Filed May 29, 1962, Ser. No. 198,598 Claims priority, application France May 29, 1961 1 Claim. (Cl. 242-1295) This invention relates to supports for yarn packages or the like, and more particularly to a support which is automatically adjustable lto conform to varations in the internal diameter of such package.

Numerous types of collapsible supports for yarn packages exist and these supports generally comprise elements capable of experiencing a radial displacement under the inuence of inclined surfaces, springs, cams, or other mechanical means. Spool supports also exist which carry elastic sleeves which can be inated under the influence of hydraulic means.

The object of the present invention is to provide a winding support, the periphery of which can be increased pneumatically by inflation of a hollow sheath or an elastic covering by means of compressed air. The winding support is in principle intended for the endwise unwinding of yarn packages.

The invention will be more easily understood by reference to one constructional example. It is quite evident that the invention is not restricted to this example, but also covers any modication coming within the same scope.

The constructional example is illustrated by the two accompanying iigures, of which:

FIG. l is an elevation, partly in section, which shows a winding means with the sheath deated; and

FIG. 2 is an elevation, partly in section, which shows the same winding means with the sheath inflated.

Both gures are sectional elevations, but with a package mounted thereon in FIG. 2.

In these two gures, there will be seen a supporting plate 1 which is recessed at the center. This plate comprises a hole 2 in the recessed portion. A union 3 is positioned in this recessed portion and comprises a profiled central hole 4 with a constriction 5 at the center. The tapered upper end 3A of this union serves as a seating for a rigid tube 6, which is longer than the package to be unwound. This tube is provided at the upper end with a plug 7 which can be solid or deformed with a hole, as shown in the igures. This plug has a flange 7A, the purpose of which will be hereinafter explained. It can in addition comprise a groove for a ring and the plug can also be replaced by a small cap.

A hollow elastic sheath 8,.for example of natural or synthetic rubber, is tted on the tube. This sheath is for example formed by the two ends of a rubber tube being folded inwardly until the edges of the folded portions are covered, and then by sticking these edges. The portions stuck together will be seen at 8A. The internal wall of the sheath is formed with a hole 9 in its lower portion and this hole is positioned opposite a hole 10 in the tube 6. A known valve 11 is fitted through the holes 10 and 9 by means of washers 12 and 13 and a screw-threaded nut 14. The valve carries a exible tube 15, passing through the constriction 5 of the union 3. This tube is connected by a threaded sleeve 16 to a union for a source of compressed air and can be closed. At the upper end, the sheath 8 is retained by the ilange 7A.

In the deflated condition, the sheath 8 permits the easy iitting of a yarn package 17. On being inflated with air, this sheath is adapted to bear resiliently against the inside of the package, independently of any unevenness or irregularity on the inside thereof. It is even possible to use the winding support for conical packages. Throughout 'the unwinding operation, the sheath forms a cushion and maintains an internal elastic pressure, which facilitates .the release of the convolutions, particularly towards the end.

The winding support, which is free from any movable mechanical parts, is of a very simple nature and inexpensive.

Although the winding support is particularly designed for endwise unwinding, a slight adaptation of the support and the union will enable the device to be modiiied for unwinding sideways.

What is claimed is:

A support for a yarn package having a hollow core, comprising a base plate, a rigid tubular member extending upwardly therefrom and adapted to extend through said hollow core, an annular sheath removably disposed around said tubular member, said sheath being composed of a flexible rubber-like material and having inner and outer walls joined at ltheir edges to form a closed annular chamber therein, means including a coupling member connecting the interior of said hollow tubular member with said chamber for supplying fluid pressure to said chamber for expanding the same to cause the inner and outer walls of said sheath to contact and grip said tubular member and 'the interior surface of said hollow package respectively for securely holding the latter in position as the package is unwound, a fluid supply duct extending through said base plate and said tubular member to communicate with said coupling member and an end plate for said tubular member having a flange adapted .to overlie the said annular sheath.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,289,519 Randall July 14, 1942 2,621,867 Grettve Dec. 16, 1952 2,668,678 Little et al. Feb. 9, 1954 2,849,192 Fairchild Aug. 26, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 163,738 Australia lune 29, 1955 

